The premier celebration of Native American music and culture returns to a live awards ceremony in November after pausing during the pandemic. Find out about the nominees and special award winners.
As we’ve curated our C&I Approved playlist on Spotify over the last two years, we’ve been inspired by the diverse array of talent and thoughtful, evocative music coming from Native American performers and artists. Whether they’re making traditional country, rootsy Americana, pop, hip-hop, or traditional tribal sounds, the artists we’ve gravitated to always lead with a sense of identity, history, and devotion to their craft.
There’s no better celebration for the growing community of Indigenous artists than the Native American Music Awards, a long-held event that shines a light on the latest and greatest acts and releases.
This year’s live awards event (shortened as NAMA) is making a triumphant return after a few years of pandemic-related breaks — the 20th NAMA ceremony will commence on Saturday, November 19, at the Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino in Niagara Falls. The ceremony itself will be a marquee highlight of Native American Heritage Month, and we’ll be sharing more from the awards including winners and highlighted performances.
Actor Robert Mesa (Grey’s Anatomy) will host the NAMA event. Among the evening’s biggest moments will be a Hall of Fame induction for Micki Free, a Grammy-winning guitarist and singer who played with the pop-rock band Shalamar. Paul LaRoche of Brule/AIRO and Robert Tree Cody will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Visit the NAMA website to find out about all of the nominees in each category. Fans can also vote for the awards there until midnight on Friday, November 18.
Watch and groove
You can find some great highlights and past performances on the NAMA Youtube channel. Watch their official highlights reel from the event’s history below.
And read more from the latest NAMA announcement on its Facebook page:
This year’s Awards program celebrates and features an overwhelming amount of talent and full length albums, single recordings and music video releases. Featured performers are: Antoine Edwards Jr, Cody Blackbird, Earl Slick and the Fabulous Ripcords, Ed Koban, Fawn Wood, Gunner Jules, Spur Pourier, Sten Joddi, and The Halluci Nation. Guest nominees include: Ava Rose, Blanca Iris Acuna, Blue Flamez, Blue Mountain Tribe, Crazy Flute, Darren Thompson, Dr. April Lea Go Forth, Faran Sohappy, Gera & T.M. Clark, JUQ, Julian Taylor, Kelly Derrickson, Kelly Montijo Fink, Irv Lyons, Jr, Melody McArthur, Raven Flyinghorse, Sandra Sutter, Savelle The Native, The Johnnys, Shibastik, Shiloh Ashley, Tess Remy-Schumacher, Twice As Good, Two Shields, and Yvonne St. Germaine.
If you are able to attend, find out more about tickets here. Or follow our coverage following the November 19 event in this space.
(Photo of Nahko Bear courtesy of NAMA Live)